What is the proper response to a spill in a surface mine?

• A. Spread the spill to make it easier to sweep.
• B. Promptly clean spills to prevent slip hazards.
• C. Report spills but do not clean.
• D. Ignore spills until the end of the shift.

Answer: (B)

In mine safety, keeping work areas clean and free of hazards is essential, and spills are a prime slip-and-fall risk. Cleaning spills promptly removes the hazard quickly, reducing the chance a worker will slip, trip, or fall on wet surfaces. For any spill, follow the site’s spill response plan: stop the source if safe, contain the spill to prevent spread, use appropriate absorbents or barriers, and dispose of contaminated materials properly. After cleanup, report the incident per procedures so the organization can review and prevent recurrence.

Spreading a spill, reporting it without cleaning, or ignoring it until later all leave workers at risk and violate safety expectations, which is why immediate cleanup is the best approach.